Lawrence Guy
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Lineman | Arizona State University | 11 |
Demonstrates Excellence on The Field
In 2011, the Packers selected Lawrence Guy in the seventh round (233rd overall). In 2017, the New England Patriots signed Lawrence to a free-agent deal. Since arriving in New England, Lawrence has been an anchor on the Patriots defense. Over the past four seasons, he has missed just two games due to injury. Since earning a starting position, Lawrence has helped the team to three AFC East division titles, two conference titles, and a Super Bowl. The defense surrendered just three points against a Rams team that entered the game, averaging 32.9-points per game. Lawrence is a leader in the locker room, was named a 2020 defensive co-captain, and was selected to the Patriots 2010's All-Decade team.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts this Year
At the beginning of the 2020 school year, Lawrence and his wife Andrea filled 150 backpacks with school supplies. They donated them to Crossroads; a Massachusetts-based nonprofit helping young people become economically independent citizens, socially responsible leaders, and emotionally connected adults. This marked the 10th consecutive year that they donated backpacks and school supplies to children. Lawrence and Andrea continued their relationship with the nonprofit by incorporating a mentorship program. Each month, they spent time interacting with 30 to 40 students via video conference.
Lawrence also volunteered to participate in the Adopt-A-School program, an initiative of the Patriots Foundation designed to promote education, healthy activity, and positivity in classrooms during a challenging time. Lawrence participated in biweekly video sessions with the Goodwin Elementary School in East Hartford, Conn. He spent time getting to know the students, reading to different classrooms, participating in virtual learning sessions, and offering his support to the teachers. Just before Thanksgiving, Lawrence and Andrea announced they would be donating a turkey and all the fixings to all 350 students at the Goodwin School. They also offered their support to the Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club of Boston for the third consecutive year. In total, the Guy family provided meals to more than 3,000 people. Thanksgiving with the Guys originated 13 years ago, while Lawrence was in college, and he worked with his dad to distribute turkeys to families in need. Since then, more than 15,000 families have received Thanksgiving meals from the Guy family. For 2021, Lawrence will once again provide meals to the Boys & Girls Club and a local school.
Lawrence also participated in virtual meet and greets with 55 children experiencing homelessness and surprised each of them with a $400 gift card. He also continued his holiday tradition – Shop with a Jock.
This past August, Lawrence and Andrea hosted their 11th annual backpack giveaway, ensuring students have all the necessary items for the upcoming school year. They once again donated 150 backpacks full of school supplies to Crossroads. Then an additional 150 were donated to the Key Program, a nonprofit dedicated to building positive life skills for children and families. Over the past 11 years, the Guy family has distributed more than 3,000 backpacks full of school supplies. Lawrence and Andrea's latest charitable initiative is a baby shower for underprivileged families. During their last pregnancy, they learned about a new mother in need and decided to purchase a stroller, diapers, and other essential items for that family. It inspired them to help a larger group, so 20 moms-to-be will enjoy an unforgettable day as they get showered with gifts.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community to Community Efforts in Years Past
When it comes to volunteering, Lawrence has always placed a special emphasis on education. Having been diagnosed with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADD, and ADHD when he was 20-years old, Lawrence is all-too-familiar with challenges in the classroom. He meets with students, shares his story, and instills confidence in them. Last fall, for his efforts, Lawrence was recognized by The S.E.A.L. Foundation, a nonprofit working to open doors for those who learn differently.
Lawrence has never shied away from speaking about his learning difficulties. During the SEAL Foundation gala, he talked about his experiences and what it meant to receive the award: "It's truly an honor to receive this. Going through what I've been through in life, this is another testament of overcoming anything that gets thrown at you," Lawrence said. "Anyone out there that has hope or has a goal, go out there and try to achieve everything you put your mind to because nobody is going to tell you what you can and can't do. You're the only person that holds your life in your hands."
Since joining the Patriots, Lawrence has been one of the most active players in our New England communities. He has eagerly participated in the Patriots Foundation's signature holiday events, including the Thanksgiving basket giveaway at Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries in Boston and the Children's Holiday Party at Gillette Stadium for 250 children from the Salvation Army and community centers across the region. He always seeks out Patriots staff looking for more ways to get involved and give back.
In addition to his work with the Patriots Foundation, Lawrence and his wife Andrea established the Lawrence Guy Family Foundation. This nonprofit organization provides resources and opportunities for financially disadvantaged families. The foundation became an official nonprofit in 2019 with the goal of inspiring and helping underprivileged families achieve their full potential. The foundation's three main programs include the back-to-school event, Thanksgiving with the Guys, and Shop with a Jock. In May 2020, Lawrence and Andrea teamed with the Worcester Public Schools and New England Dairy to provide a week's worth of meals and milk to 1,300 local children and their families. Lawrence is also an active member of the Patriots Players Social Justice Fund. Established in 2019, the fund provides support for organizations focused on social justice and racial equality, including in the areas of education, economic development, police relations, and criminal justice.
Demonstrates Consistency in Positive Character and Models a Lifestyle of Giving Back
Lawrence grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, and overcame many personal challenges and obstacles to become an All-Decade defensive tackle for the Patriots. He continues to give back to his hometown of Las Vegas and his wife's hometown of Miami, Florida. Their work has even expanded overseas as Lawrence and Andrea are helping to renovate a school in Columbia. Through their charitable giving, they look to do more than making a one-time donation. Once they establish a relationship with a nonprofit, they look to build upon that and provide annual support. Lawrence aims to let his career as a football player serve as his platform to improve the lives of people in need. His community efforts are a true family affair, and it is something that he wants to instill in his three young children.
